Baloise Belgium Tour 2026 | Sprint battles & fireworks in the hills, all with an eye on the Tour de France
CyclingTuesday, 16 June 2026 at 10:12
After the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it's time for the second round of Tour de France warm-up races, made up of the Tour de Suisse, the Tour of Slovenia and the Baloise Belgium Tour. IDL Pro Cycling previews the five-day race in Belgium, which features no individual time trial for the first time in several years.
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The Baloise Belgium Tour has an impressive roll of honour, featuring big names such as Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel. Last year, victory went to UAE rider Filippo Baroncini, who edged out stage winners Ethan Hayter and Jenno Berckmoes. Tim Merlier (twice) and Jasper Philipsen (once) also took stage victories in the sprint stages.
Recent winners of the Baloise Belgium Tour
2025 Filippo Baroncini
2024 Soren Waerenskjold
2023 Mathieu van der Poel
2022 Mauro Schmid
2021 Remco Evenepoel
2020 CANCELLED
2019 Remco Evenepoel
2018 Jens Keukeleire
2017 Jens Keukeleire
2016 Dries Devenyns
2015 Greg Van Avermaet
2024 Soren Waerenskjold
2023 Mathieu van der Poel
2022 Mauro Schmid
2021 Remco Evenepoel
2019 Remco Evenepoel
2018 Jens Keukeleire
2017 Jens Keukeleire
2016 Dries Devenyns
2015 Greg Van Avermaet
Baloise Belgium Tour 2026: Route, stage favorites, and race timing
Stage 1, Wednesday, June 17: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem – Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (188.4 km)
The Baloise Belgium Tour kicks off with a flat stage in and around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, where the race also finished in 2023 and 2024. Jasper Philipsen won both times, so he’s definitely one to watch again.
Favorites
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Times
Start: 1:00 p.m CET (12pm GMT / 7am ET)
Finish: 5:10 p.m CET (4:10pm GMT / 11:10 ET)
Start: 1:00 p.m CET (12pm GMT / 7am ET)
Finish: 5:10 p.m CET (4:10pm GMT / 11:10 ET)
Stage 2, Thursday, June 18: Merelbeke-Melle – Knokke-Heist (197.5 km)
Stage 2 heads down to the Belgian coast, where the traditional finish line is located on the gently sloping Wandelaar in Knokke-Heist. There, it will likely once again come down to a fight between the sprinters.
Favorites
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Times
Start: 12:45 p.m CET (11:45am GMT / 6:45am ET)
Finish: 5:15 p.m CET (4:15pm GMT / 11:15 ET)
Start: 12:45 p.m CET (11:45am GMT / 6:45am ET)
Finish: 5:15 p.m CET (4:15pm GMT / 11:15 ET)
Stage 3, Friday, June 19: Durbuy–Durbuy (173 km)
The queen stage is scheduled for Friday in 2026 but the formula remains the same in the Ardennes. The riders will still have to conquer the hills in and around Durbuy. In previous years, Jenno Berckmoes, Alex Aranburu, and Mathieu van der Poel took home the victory.
Favorites
Alex Aranburu (Cofidis)
Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto-Intermarché)
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X)
Alex Aranburu (Cofidis)
Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto-Intermarché)
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X)
Times
Start: 1:00 p.m CET (12pm GMT / 7am ET)
Finish: 5:15 p.m CET (4:15pm GMT / 11:15 ET)
Start: 1:00 p.m CET (12pm GMT / 7am ET)
Finish: 5:15 p.m CET (4:15pm GMT / 11:15 ET)
Stage 4, Saturday, June 20: Begijnendijk – Aarschot (182.8 km)
The fourth stage takes the peloton from Begijnendijk to Aarschot, where the sprinters will typically get a third chance. There are a few hills along the way, but none steep enough to drop the sprinters.
Favorites
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM)
Times
Start: 1:15 p.m CET (12:15pm GMT / 7:15am ET)
Finish: 5:30 p.m CET (4:30pm GMT / 11:30 ET)
Start: 1:15 p.m CET (12:15pm GMT / 7:15am ET)
Finish: 5:30 p.m CET (4:30pm GMT / 11:30 ET)
Stage 5, Sunday, June 21: Gingelom – Hoeilaart (182.6 km)
For the final stage, the organizers have opted for a new route, featuring a ride through the Wine Region. The local circuit includes several short, steep climbs, and we’ll also get to see some famous Belgian cobblestones!
Favorites
Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Biniam Girmay (NSN)
Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step)
Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Biniam Girmay (NSN)
Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step)
Times
Start: 12:45 p.m CET (11:45am GMT / 6:45am ET)
Finish: 5:00 p.m CET (4:00pm GMT / 11:00am ET)
Start: 12:45 p.m CET (11:45am GMT / 6:45am ET)
Finish: 5:00 p.m CET (4:00pm GMT / 11:00am ET)
GC Favorites, 2026 Baloise Belgium Tour
The Baloise Belgium Tour has a different format than in previous years, with the main change being that there is no longer an individual time trial. Instead, an extra stage has been added for the punchers in the Druivenstreek, which automatically gives them a slight advantage.
Or does it? The truth is, the overall winner will likely come down to who performs best in the hilly stage around Durbuy. And don't underestimate the impact of the Golden Kilometer either. For that first check, we can mark Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto-Intermarché) and Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), a former winners in Durbuy.
Other than that, we mainly see riders we also encounter during the Flemish spring classics. Florian Vermeersch (UAE Emirates-XRG), Jasper Stuyven, Dylan van Baarle (Soudal Quick-Step), Rasmus Tiller, Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X), Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Riley Sheehan (NSN), Alex Aranburu ( Cofidis), Jakob Soderqvist, Soren Kragh Andersen (Lidl-Trek), Carlos Canal (Movistar), Quinten Hermans (Pinarello-Q36.5), and Rick Pluimers (Tudor) are all in the mix.
Given the importance of the bonus points and the absence of a time trial, we also believe the sprinters have a chance this year, provided they don’t lose too much time in Durbuy. Classic riders like Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM), Soren Waerenskjold (Uno-X), Frits Biesterbos (Picnic PostNL), Biniam Girmay (NSN), and Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets) are certainly not ones to be overlooked.
IDL Pro Cycling top GC picks, Baloise Belgium Tour 2026
Top favorites: Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto-Intermarché) and Florian Vermeersch (UAE Emirates-XRG)
Outsiders: Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X), Jasper Philipsen and Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Long shots: Biniam Girmay, Riley Sheehan (NSN), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Soren Kragh Andersen (Lidl-Trek), Carlos Canal (Movistar), Quinten Hermans (Pinarello-Q36.5), Rick Pluimers (Tudor), and Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets)
Outsiders: Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X), Jasper Philipsen and Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
Long shots: Biniam Girmay, Riley Sheehan (NSN), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Soren Kragh Andersen (Lidl-Trek), Carlos Canal (Movistar), Quinten Hermans (Pinarello-Q36.5), Rick Pluimers (Tudor), and Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets)
2026 Baloise Belgium Tour start list
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
How to watch the Baloise Belgium Tour 2026 on TV
As every year, the Baloise Belgium Tour will be broadcast on TV internationally:
| Location | TV Service |
| North America | FloBikes |
| Australia | SBS on Demand |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports/HBO Max |
| Europe | Eurosport 1 |
IDL-productions
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Latest Comments
- This story gave me chills. Ventoux proposals, world-class legs, and a heart of gold—Justine is the definition of a modern cycling icon. Can’t wait to see her flying the tricolour again and bringing that same joy to the Tour. Congrats to the happy couple!bikebuffj16-06-2026
- Love to see a true team player getting so much recognition and happiness off the bike. From the Giro mountains jersey to that epic TdFF stage win and the Kristallen Zweetdruppel—now this! Wishing them both a lifetime of tailwinds.cadencekingm16-06-2026
- What a beautiful way to pop the question—on top of the Ventoux, no less! Huge congratulations to Justine and Charlotte. After the year Justine’s had on the bike, this feels like the perfect summit finish in life, too.cyclechamp4516-06-2026
- Sep Vanmarcke’s note about “different scenarios each day” makes me think we’ll get aggressive racing from the gun. Also curious how Pogacar manages effort levels—go all-in for the win or treat it as a tune-up? Either way, this feels like a tasty midweek showdown.gearguru3315-06-2026
- Interesting that it’s a shorter, five-day edition—less margin for error and more room for chaos. If there’s a mixed profile, Narváez and Dainese could both have chances, while GC might come down to one decisive mountain day and a sharp punchy finish. Can’t wait to see how teams balance stage hunting vs. overall.breakawaybikerd15-06-2026
- Really glad to see Landa back after that Basque Country crash. He’s always better with racing days in the legs, so a five-stage Suisse could be the perfect ramp. Schachmann and Van Wilder around him is a smart mix—could see them hunting stages while Landa builds form.raceready715-06-2026
- Love that Pogacar is debuting at the Tour de Suisse—feels wild that it’s his first time here. Coming straight from Sierra Nevada should mean fireworks, especially with that UAE lineup. McNulty and Politt for engines, Wellens for aggression… I’m expecting a big statement before the summer.davidm15-06-2026
- Selfishly, I hope he makes the Tour, even in a support/limited role. But long-term, I’d rather see him 100% for the late-season goals than forcing a compromised TDF. Get well soon, Champ.andrewf15-06-2026
- Infections can be tricky—antibiotics, rest, then careful load. If they rush it, risk of relapse; if they wait, they lose race form. Big call for Visma: better a slightly undercooked Wout or no Wout at all?jeremya15-06-2026
- Credit to him for grinding through the early stages when he clearly wasn’t right. That sprint on stage 4 and the dominance on stage 5 showed the engine is there—just needs a clean run and no setbacks.cyclechamp4515-06-2026
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